Page 7 of Love Under Siege

“I won’t say this is better than my mom’s or my Nonna’s, but it’s actually really good,” she says, putting another forkful in her mouth. “But don’t think for one second that this is Italian, because it’s not a true Italian dish.”

“Yeah, it’s not like the Olive Garden,” Jacob says, trying to get a rise out of her. .

Lana snaps her head in his direction. “OLIVE GARDEN is not an authentic Italian restaurant!” she scolds, making us all laugh as we finish our meal.

We finish up dinner and I glance over at Jacob and see his eyes locked on me; pupils dilated. I know exactly what he’s thinking—I’m thinking it too. I wonder if we’ll have a repeat of what happened before we left. My skin prickles with goosebumps. My heart races as he places his hand on my thigh and squeezes. His hand starts moving higher, and my breath catches.

“Welp! I guess I’ll be leaving!” Lana says rather loudly, standing up and placing her plate in the sink. Jacob and I jump at the noise, immediately separating and breaking our heated connection. We got so wrapped up in the moment that we forgot Lana was still in the room.

I let out a nervous laugh. “I’m sorry.”

She lifts her hands in mock surrender. “No, no, it’s fine! I know when I’m the third wheel,” she says, flashing us a mischievous smile. Stepping closer, she places a hand on my shoulder. “But seriously, I do need to head home” giving my arm a gentle squeeze. “Have fun tonight you two!” she adds with a wink before heading out the door.

I grin from ear to ear, glancing over at Jacob. He shakes his head with a smile. “I think it’s time we head to bed,” I suggest, and Jacob raises an eyebrow, a devilish grin spreading across his face. I give him a light-hearted shove. “Not like that!” I squeal, and we both break out laughing. He pulls me close and kisses me.

“We could always pick up where we left off in the car,” he says with a smirk.

I smile into his lips. “Oh yeah?”

“Except it’ll be your turn,” he adds.

“It was already my turn!” I exclaim.

“No, it will be your turn to feel my mouth between your legs” he whispers in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

My heart skips a beat at the thought, but then I remember my grandparents’ room is just down the hall from the guest room and mine. “As much as that would please me,” I say seductively, “you and I both know I am not the quietest person when it comes to that.”

He pulls me in closer. “I guess you’ll have to try to quiet your moans, then,” he teases, lifting me and throwing me over his shoulder.

Feigning shock, I slap his back. “Jacob! Nooo! My grandparents are going to hear us, mainly me, and I don’t think either of us could survive that!” I whisper as he carries me down the hall.

As he leads me into the guest room, my heart races with anticipation. I can’t deny the desire building in me, wanting to feel his lips on my skin. Yet, there’s a nagging voice of doubt in the back of my mind.What if I disappoint him? What if he realizes I’m not worth staying for? The fear of rejection grows stronger as he kneels before me, and I can’t help but wonder if this will be another person who leaves me behind.But then again, with Jacob, it would hurt even more. He has the power to shatter me completely, yet I still want him.

Despite my inner conflict, I look into his eyes, the depths of them revealing his emotions. The way his gaze never leaves mine, it’s like he can see right through me. He knows me better than anyone else. His fingers gently cup my face, and he leans in to brush his lips against mine. The connection between us is undeniable, and I feel a rush of warmth wash over me. As he pulls away, the air is thick with anticipation.

“Trust me,” he whispers, his voice low and sultry. I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. I can feel the weight of his gaze, and I swallow hard. I try to ignore the nagging voice of doubt in the back of my mind and focus on the intensity of our connection. I do trust him, and I know he’ll take care of me.

He stands up and pulls me close, our bodies pressed together, and I can feel his warmth. He takes one of my hands and gently raises it to his chest, his heart pounding against my palm. I close my eyes and breathe in deeply, taking in the scent of him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart. In this moment, I let go of the fear and the doubt, and I allow myself to be consumed by the desire that threatens to overtake me.

Jacob takes my hand and leads me over to the bed, his eyes never leaving mine. He gently lays me down, and I can feel the sensation of the soft sheets against my skin. He hovers above me, his eyes filled with lust and longing. He leans in to kiss me, his lips soft yet demanding. His hands explore my body, and I feel a surge of desire coursing through me, making me feel alive.

As he continues to explore me, I let out a soft moan that escapes my lips. Jacob smiles, teasing me, “Mmm, sounds like someone is enjoying herself.” He reaches up and threads his fingers through my hair, pulling me closer to him. Our lips meet again, and I can feel the passion building between us.

His hands move lower, gently caressing my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I close my eyes and let out a soft sigh, surrendering to the pleasure that’s coursing through me. Jacob’s touch is like a drug, addictive, and exhilarating. I can feel my heart racing, my breath becoming heavier as he continues to explore my body.

Soon, we’re entwined in a passionate embrace, our bodies moving in sync with each other. I can feel the tension building between us, the anticipation of what’s to come. Jacob’s lips travel down my neck, leaving a trail of kisses, making me moan even louder. He covers my mouth and for a split second, my body tenses up, and fear creeps in.I’m momentarily brought back to when Paul would force himself on me and I would try to scream but then he would cover my mouth and his hands were so big that he also covered my nose. He almost killed me that night and there used to be a time where I wanted him to kill me if it would just end the torture and the pain.

I snap out of my thoughts when Jacob gently holds my face in his hands. “Anya? Where did your mind just wander off to?” he asks with concern. I try to brush it off, “Nothing, I’m fine,” I say, my voice barely a whisper. Jacob kisses my forehead gently, peering into my eyes intently. “Don’t shut me out, Anya. Let me help you,” he pleads with warmth and sincerity.

Taking a deep breath, I opened up to him about everything that had just happened. “I know it might seem silly,” I add, shrugging my shoulders slightly. But Jacob takes my face in his hands and gazes deeply into my eyes.

“No, Anya. It’s not silly at all. You’ve been through so much, and I am incredibly proud of you for standing up for yourself.” My cheeks redden as I shrug again, still feeling uncertain. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

He lifts my chin with his finger, a playful twinkle in his eye. “Baby, of course I’m right,” he teases. “And I want you to be comfortable in everything we do together, not just sexually.” His words reassure me, and I nod my head, squeezing his hand in gratitude.

“I know, Jacob,” I say wholeheartedly. “You are the first guy in a long time that I feel safe with and trust completely.”

A soft smile spreads across his face as he looks into my eyes. “I will always make sure you feel safe and loved Anya. I promise you that. We’ll take things at your pace, whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable.” Feeling as though a weight has lifted off my shoulders, his kindness and understanding fill my heart.

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